James Andrew Blankenship, Sr.

James Andrew Blankenship, Sr., age 82 of Cedar Bluff, Virginia passed away on Thursday, June 23, 2016 at Bristol, Tennessee hospital following a lengthy illness. He was born in Russell County, Virginia and was the son of the late Granville “Bus” and Effie Whited Blankenship. James was a 1951 graduate of Honaker High School and retired coal miner from Pittston Coal Company. He was the president of the UMWA Local #7327 of Jewell Ridge, Virginia. He attended the Apostolic Church of Jesus Christ and was a lifetime resident of the Tazewell and Russell County areas. He was the last surviving member of his immediate family. In addition to his parents he goes on to join his best friends Bob Lester, Dallas Addington and Dick Robins. Those who remain to carry on his spirit are: His loving wife of 60 years, Betty Ann Lockhart Blankenship of Cedar Bluff, VA Daughter, Theresa Ann Toney and husband Ron of Cedar Bluff, VA Sons: James Andrew (Jimmy) Blankenship of Lebanon, VA Jeffrey David Blankenship of Cedar Bluff, VA Grandchildren: Elizabeth Honaker and husband Brandon; Chance Blankenship and wife, Cassie; Katye Blankenship; Jeremy Blankenship and wife Amber; Crystal Blankenship; Nathan Blankenship; and Victoria Blankenship. Great Grandchildren: Loralei Blankenship, Effie Blankenship, Maggie Blankenship, Aurora Blankenship, Brody Honaker, Caden Blankenship, Tanner Blankenship and Makenzie Blankenship. Several nieces, nephews, cousins and host of friends also survive. Special Thanks to Dr. Forest Swan and nursing staff, Dr. Jody Helms, Dr. Isaac Biney and nursing staff at Bristol Regional Medical Center, Oncology Nurses at Clinch Valley Medical Center, Helping Hands Home Health, Appalachian Agency for Senior Citizens and all of our friends and prayer warriors. Special thanks also goes to J.C. and Deanie Owens. As an expression of sympathy, contributions may be made to either the American Cancer Society P.O. Box 246, Abingdon, VA 24212 or to the (Tazewell County Relay For Life in Memory of James Blankenship). The Funeral service will be conducted at 2:00 pm on Sunday, June 26, 2016 at the Hurst-Scott Funeral Home in Richlands, Virginia with the Rev. Frank Lester, Rev. Carl Howell and Rev. Jim Adkins officiating. Interment will follow at the Greenhills Memory Gardens in Claypool Hill, Virginia. Pallbearers will be Nathan Blankenship, Chance Blankenship, Brandon Honaker, Jimmy Lockhart, Randy Smith, Andy Paul Adkins, Shannon Adkins and Bobby Meadows. Honorary pallbearers will be J.C. Owens, Alan Cooper, Jimmy Compton, Jeremy Blankenship, Bobby Lester, Lloyd Lester, Bob Adkins, Perry Woosley, Dean Crigger, Ed Messick, Ron Toney, Junior Shreve, Jerry Lester and Wayne Lester. The family will receive friends beginning at 6:00 pm on Saturday evening at the Hurst-Scott Funeral Home in Richlands, VA. Hurst-Scott Funeral Home in Richlands, Virginia is in charge of arrangements and those wishing to express sympathy online may do so at www.hurstscottfuneralhomes.com

James Andrew Blankenship, Sr.

September 20, 1933 - June 23, 2016